39111 - CELL BIOLOGY

Subject type: Basic

Coordinator: Jordi Sarola Gassiot

Trimester: First term

Credits: 6

Academic year: 2025

Teaching course: 1

• Spanish

Oral presentations in the classroom will be in Catalan and Spanish.

There are documents in Spanish and English, as well as audiovisual materials in Spanish.

The cell biology subject belongs to the basic subjects module of the Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. It is necessary for the formation and understanding of basic and complex concepts of human biology. 

We will focus on the study of the eukaryotic cell of animal origin, how it is composed of organelles and what are the main functions of these, as well as other structures not organized into organelles, essential for the functions that define a cell as such: nutrition, relationship and reproduction. 

In this subject we will focus on cellular structures and functions and their relationship with the process of human nutrition. We will also delve deeper into the study of the mitochondrion as a fascinating organelle, from an evolutionary point of view. Of the crucial role it plays in cellular physiology and its relationship with disease. 

At the same time, we will develop seminars dedicated to oxidative stress, the relationship of chronic stress with health and nutrition, HIV and a series of clinical cases related to specific cell organelles. 

The classroom (physical or virtual) is a safe space, free of sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic and discriminatory attitudes, either towards students or towards teachers. We trust that together we can create a safe space where we can make mistakes and learn without having to suffer prejudice from others. 

Topic 1. Cell theory. 

1.1. Discovery of cells. 

1.2. Concept and basic properties of the cell. 

1.3. General characteristics of the eukaryotic cell: general structure. 

Topic 2. Cell membranes 

2.1. Composition, structure and functions of the plasma membrane. 
2.2. Selective transport across membranes: simple diffusion vs. transport facilitated by proteins (active and passive). 
2.3. Membrane potentials and neurotransmission. 

Topic 3. Cellular compartmentalization. Main organelles and their functions. 

Topic 4. Nucleic Acids and flow of genetic information. 

4.1. DNA and RNA: Structure, function and types. 
4.2. Replication.
4.3. Transcription. 
4.4. Translation. Mechanisms of regulation of gene expression. 

Topic 5. Cellular transport. 

5.1. General description of the endomembrane system. 
5.2. Transport vesicles. 
5.3. Exocytosis, endocytosis and phagocytosis. 
5.4. Destruction of misfolded proteins. 

Topic 6. The cytoskeleton. 

6.1. Components: composition, structure and dynamics of polymerization and depolymerization.  
6.2. The cytoskeleton during cell division, prometaphase. 
6.3. The cytoskeleton during embryonic development, axonal growth. 
6.4. Importance of the cytoskeleton in cell junctions and transport. 

Topic 7. Cellular signalling. 

7.1. Basic principles of inter and intracellular signaling. 
7.2. Types of receptors: intracellular and surface. 
7.3. Integration of extracellular signals and cellular responses to them. Signaling routes and messengers.  

Unit 8. Cellular renewal. 

8.1. Cell proliferation: control of the cell cycle. Cell elements involved in cell division. 
8.2. Survival and cell death: apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy. 

Seminars 

Seminar 1.
Seminar 2.
Seminar 3.
Seminar 4.

The system for evaluating the skills and learning outcomes of this subject includes different evaluation activities for Subject 1 - Basic Training:

Evaluation of the virtual modality: 

A system of quantitative (from 0 to 10) and qualitative (suspended, approved, notable, excellent, honorary registration) is used according to RD 1125/2003.

In order for the exam grade to be averaged with the rest of the grades obtained during the course of the subject, it will be necessary to obtain a grade equal to or higher than 5 points out of a total of 10 points.

According to UPF regulations, students who have the option to make up the subject are those who have obtained a grade of "fail". If the subject is not passed, the only part that can be retaken is the exam, with an extraordinary exam (retake) within the same academic year.

The evaluation system and recovery period are detailed in the Learning Plan available in the virtual classroom at the beginning of the subject.

Any form of academic fraud will be sanctioned in accordance with the center's assessment regulations. If signs of fraud are detected, including the improper use of generative artificial intelligence tools, the subject's teaching staff may call the student for an individual interview with the aim of verifying their authorship.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in this subject is regulated in the Learning Plan. It should be consulted to find out the specific conditions of use. 

Bruce Alberts et al. (2016; 6th edition). Molecular Biology of the Cell. Omega Publishing. 

Gerald Karp. (2011). Cellular and molecular biology. McGraw-Hill/Interamericana. Madrid